News Reports

March '07

Feature Article from Hemmings Classic Car

Who's Next at GM?
It's been suggested, for quite some time, that either Buick or Pontiac is close to joining Oldsmobile and Plymouth in the automotive graveyard. While they are just rumors, recent news suggests that Buick, scheduled to celebrate its 104th year as an automaker in 2007, will sell more cars at year's end in China than in the U.S. In the first 10 months, Buick sold 218,603 vehicles in China compared to its 206,582 in domestic sales. With such a storied history, will GM keep the lifeline attached, or eventually pull the plug? While this news might not have an effect on the hobby immediately, can this signal a rise in demand for old Buicks much like the sharp increase of Oldsmobiles on the market after that automaker's swan song?
Cadillac, Alternative Fuel at Glenmoor
The fast growing Glenmoor Gathering, slated for September 14-16, 2007, will feature Cadillacs from 1903-1971 as well as alternative fuel vehicles. Nearly 200 invitation-only vehicles will attend the annual concours d'elegance, with other special features such as "The Class of '57" and vintage travel and camping trailers. Event organizers are still seeking significant automobiles for the upcoming event. For more information, visit www.glenmoorgathering.com.
Fund-Raising Cab
During this year's G. Potter King auction in Atlantic City, a 1975 Checker Cab will cross the auction block, with all the proceeds from the sale to benefit the Vintage Automobile Museum's building fund. The Checker -- Lot number 1725 -- has been restored by Ele Chesney, and painted by the Vintage Automobile Museum to reflect how it appeared when it was driving the streets of New York City in 1975. It's scheduled to cross the block on Saturday, February 24. For more information, visit www.acclassiccars.com.
Goodbye Lansing Landmark?
Is the last vestige of GM's Oldsmobile passing into that good night? According to a few threads found on www.realoldspower.com, the old Oldsmobile headquarters -- Building 70 -- in Lansing, Michigan is scheduled to be torn down shortly. The writers and responders to the threads have suggested that there should be an effort underway to try to save the building so that it can be used as a new location for the REO/Oldsmobile Museum. Others suggest that there should be a push to save the 15-foot high letters at the top of the building, however both these efforts might be too little, too late. It's also been reported that the building is not as structurally sound as it once was, meaning any hope of its restoration might be rather costly. Stay tuned.
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This article originally appeared in the March, 2007 issue of Hemmings Classic Car.